[nikki182]

Hi everyone,

I am so glad to have found this forum, although I realise I am leaving it very late to ask questions!!

I have had pain in my hand, arm, and shoulder for over 2 years including tingling, numbness, and being unable to move my fingers when I wake up. I have seen many doctors and specialists. A physio finally told me to have an ultrasound on my nerves and I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome as my carpal tunnel was a lot bigger than it should have been. I was advised to see a surgeon to see if he wanted to operate. Since that ultrasound, I went to a nerve specialist who did nerve conduction tests that came back fine, so he recommended that I see a psychologist and hypnotherapist (pain must have been in my head!!)

I still decided to see the surgeon as I knew that there was something wrong, and I accidentally brought along some old results with my ultrasound and told the surgeon he probably didn't want to worry about them. He looked at them anyway, and it was an ultrasound on a large pulse I have in my neck due to an extra rib... and he knew straight away what was wrong with me. He lifted my arm above my head and I lost my pulse, and he sent me for a CAT scan which showed that my extra rib was compressing my artery amost in half when my arm is above my head, and squashing nerves etc. It also showed that I actually have 2 extra ribs but the one on my left side isn't causing any problems.

So.. my surgery has finally come along (I think I had a 2 month wait, not long compared to a few of the stories I have read on here). He is removing my extra rib on my right side, and also part of my first rib if it is very close to the artery and may also be causing the problem.

He has told me that I will be in hospital for 1-2 nights (although since then my surgery has been scheduled for 5pm so I imagine it will be at least 2 nights). He has also said I will need 2 weeks off of work.

Now... from what I have read on this forum, it sounds as though I will need more than 2 weeks.

My main question is - how long did it take you to recover enough to go back to work? I know everyone is different, and heals differently, but I would like to have an idea so that I know what I am in for.

I started a new job about 2 months ago and I set up playgroups so have to carry a lot of equipment from my car, sometimes quite a distance.

The surgeon is cutting along my collarbone and said I will have a 5cm scar (probably the least of my worries). I'm a 22 year old female... and I'm right handed

Thanks in advance for any advice or help you are able to offer.

**Apologies if you have read this twice, I have also posted this on one other forum because I want to get as much information as possible

[astern]

Welcome to the forum - you are in the right place for your situation.

OMG, you have exactly what I had: larger rib on rt, rudementary rib on left... eventually I got symptoms on both sides. Don't be surprised if your surgeon finds fiberous bands (these do not show up on x-ray - soft tissues) attaching your cervical ribs to the first/second ribs. Something you said worries me tho - he's going to PARTIALLY remove the first rib?? That could spell trouble - leaving a rib stump to be dragged across the brachial plexus every time you move?!? I'm sure that a top TOS Dr. would remove the entire rib. That's what they did to me. You might ask about this or even seek another opinion if it's not too late.

Search my previous posts to read more about my experience. I wish you the very best of luck with the upcoming procedure! I never recovered enough to return to work, but then I didn't have the luxury of time to heal (months to a year). Long story.


Anne

[Peg24]

2 Weeks??? Is he insane? You are having bone removed. You will need longer than that to recover.

Don't let them push you back to work until you are ready!

When I had mine done, the doctor told me to allow 9 months recovery. Now that doesn't mean I was completlely down for 9 months, but it took 9 months to be able to say if the surgery worked or not.

Go slow!!!! Keep us informed!!

Peg

Originally Posted by astern

Welcome to the forum - you are in the right place for your situation.

OMG, you have exactly what I had: larger rib on rt, rudementary rib on left... eventually I got symptoms on both sides. Don't be surprised if your surgeon finds fiberous bands (these do not show up on x-ray - soft tissues) attaching your cervical ribs to the first/second ribs. Something you said worries me tho - he's going to PARTIALLY remove the first rib?? That could spell trouble - leaving a rib stump to be dragged across the brachial plexus every time you move?!? I'm sure that a top TOS Dr. would remove the entire rib. That's what they did to me. You might ask about this or even seek another opinion if it's not too late.

Search my previous posts to read more about my experience. I wish you the very best of luck with the upcoming procedure! I never recovered enough to return to work, but then I didn't have the luxury of time to heal (months to a year). Long story.


Anne

[Jomar]

Maybe he meant a minimum of 2 weeks off??
that is approx how long it takes for the stitches/cuts to heal closed.

But,
You are having bone removed and many other internal things in that area moved around, tugged on and aggravated at the very least...
this is where the long healing time comes in.

Can you find out how many of these this particular dr has done?

Just to be safe we often recomend finding the very best and experienced surgeon that you can find for these surgeries.
So many important structures run through that area - it's not something you really want to risk to a surgeon that is not expert at it.

You can ask for a reschedule if you find that you have any questions or reservations at this time.
If so request a change soon - don't wait til the last minute.
They frown on that...

Have you looked thru our Drs listings in our sticky thread?
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread135.html

[trixlynn]

Being in Canada, things are a little diferent here. We can't always do what they refer to as "surgeon shop". (I don't think of it that way) We quite often only have the choice opf what is available in our town or nearest larger centre. For example, i am fortunate to have one of the top TOS docs in Canada. People who do not live in my area, but let's say in Vancouver, may not have access to him. A lot depends on what and where you general practitioner is willing to refer.
That being said, I heartily encourage you to see whoever you think is the best.
I used to be in Resturant Management. That meant moving heavy things sometimes a fair distance. After I had the surgery, I had a hard time holding onto a hard cover book at the 2 week mark. I could not drive until after the 6 week mark.(still find driving very difficult, but do it as I live out of town and I have 4 busy kids) At 8 weeks I tried my blowdryer, and almost electrocuted myself when I dropped it. By 10 weeks I was just recovering enough coordination in my right had to write more than 1 or 2 lines. By 12 weeks i was about where I was pre-surgery.
After 6 months, I chose to try to go back to work. I lasted 12 weeks. I even did a graduated return. I am now worse than I was pre-surgery.

Ultimatley, you MUST know your body. You MUST only do the things that will help you heal. You are a 22 year old. You can end up having this follow you for the rest of your life. Do your research. Have absolute faith in your surgeon. Don't do anything you are not 100% comfortable with. Follow your gut.
I hope this helps.